Principles Of Acupuncture Research Articles

Adapting and Evaluating a Theory-Driven, Non-Pharmacological Intervention to Self-Manage Pain.

The existing literature has limited detail on theory-driven interventions, particularly in pain studies. We adapted Bandura's self-efficacy framework toward a theory-driven, non-pharmacological intervention using auricular point acupressure (APA) and evaluated participants' perceptions of this intervention on their pain self-management. APA is a non-invasive modality based on auricular acupuncture principles. We mapped our study intervention components according to Bandura's key sources of self-efficacy (performance accomplishments, vicarious experience, verbal persuasion, and emotional arousal) to facilitate the self-management of pain. Through a qualitative study design, we conducted virtual interviews at one and three months after a 4-week APA intervention among 23 participants using purposive sampling to describe their experiences in managing their pain based on our theory-driven APA intervention. Using thematic analyses, we found four themes: the enhanced self-management of pain, improved pain outcomes, the feasibility of technology, and the sustainability of APA. Describing how interventions are mapped according to the elements of theoretical frameworks can help to guide intervention development, advance science and knowledge development, and promote the implementation of interventions. As such, using Bandura's self-efficacy theory as a foundation for the APA intervention, APA was found to be feasible and sustainable, improving self-management, pain intensity, and pain-related outcomes. Participants provided recommendations for the further improvement of this theory-driven intervention.

Visual analysis of acupuncture point selection patterns and related mechanisms in acupuncture for hypertension.

Hypertension has become one of the most pathogenic diseases in the world. This paper summarizes and analyzes the acupuncture point combinations and treatment principles of acupuncture for hypertension in a systematic way by means of big data mining. The literature for this paper was obtained from CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed and PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Ovid databases. Thedata were collected to obtain combinations of acupoints with strong associations through association rule analysis, complex networks for screening to obtain core acupoint nuclei, and cluster analysis to derive treatment principles. A total of 127 acupuncture prescriptions involving 66 acupoints were included in this study. Tai-chong (LR3), Qu-chi (LI11), Zu-san-li (ST36), Feng-chi (GB20), and He-gu (LI4) were the most commonly used acupoints. The large intestine meridian was the preferred meridian, and most of the extremity acupoints, especially the lower extremities, were selected clinically. The association rule reveals that Qu-chi (LI11) and Zu-san-li (ST36) are the dominant combination acupoints. 3 core association points obtained after complex network analysis, the 1st association, Bai-hui (DU20), Tai-xi (KI3), Gan-shu (BL18), Shen-shu (BL23); The 2nd association, Qu-chi (LI11), He-gu (LI4), San-yin-jiao (SP6), Zu-san-li (ST36), Feng-chi (GB20), Tai-chong (LR3); The 3rd association, Qi-hai (RN6), Guan-yuan (RN4), Zhong-wan (RN12), Zhao-hai (KI6), Tai-yang (EX-HN5), Lie-que (LU7), Yang-ling-quan (GB34), Xing-jian (LR2), Yin-ling-quan (SP9). Cluster analysis yielded the treatment principles of nourishing Yin and submerging Yang, pacifying the liver and submerging Yang, tonifying Qi and Blood, and calming the mind and restoring the pulse, improving clinical outcomes. By means of big data mining, we can provide reference for acupuncture point grouping and selection for clinical acupuncture treatment of hypertension.

Urban acupuncture theory for reclaiming urban spaces during the COVID-19 lockdown in New Cairo City

ABSTRACT After the COVID-19 pandemic, human thoughts have changed in all fields worldwide. People started discovering different activities and realizing the essential role of urban spaces. Human needs and behavior changed through interaction with urban spaces. This article examines the importance of urban spaces in pandemics and how minor interventions can significantly impact urban spaces. We analyzed the city’s different zones in New Cairo City, Egypt. This research determined the application of urban acupuncture theory to the residence of a non-expert and listed the key focus areas for a practical acupuncture response. This study analyses the daily human uses of urban spaces and the role of pandemics that changed the functions of these urban spaces, observing and designing a survey evaluating urban spaces’ efficiency before, during, and after the COVID-19 lockdown. The research results came out with the actual role of urban spaces as unfunctional, that concludes a fast and quick intervention after the reclaiming urban acupuncture principles that influential in transforming urban areas into liveable places. The results present a spatial visual analysis highlighting the challenges and benefits of urban acupuncture. The findings of our study can assist desicion-makers in evaluating samll nterventions that can create liveable places for all.

Acupuncture for Major Depressive Disorder: A Data Mining-Based Literature Study.

Acupuncture has a long history of treating major depressive disorder (MDD), yet the acupoint selection of acupuncture for MDD varies greatly. This study aimed to explore the characteristics and principles of acupuncture for MDD by analyzing clinical trials of acupuncture for MDD using data mining techniques. In this study, clinical trials of acupuncture for MDD were retrieved and relevant data were extracted, and then the data were analyzed by data mining techniques. In addition, association rule mining, network analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis were used to determine the correlation between different acupoints. The results revealed that GV20, LR3, PC6, SP6 and GV29 were used most frequently; acupoints in the Yang meridian were used more often than those in the Yin meridian, with the most applied acupoints in the Governor Vessel; the percentage of specific acupoints applied was 69.39%, with the most applied being five-shu points; the frequency of acupoints used was highest in the lower limbs, while the head, face, and neck had the most acupoints used; GV29 combined with GV20 were the most used acupoint groups; the core acupoints used for MDD were GV20, PC6 and SP36; there were 5 acupoint groups according to the cluster analysis. The most used acupuncture method was manual acupuncture; the frequency of treatment was mostly 7 times per week and the duration of treatment was mostly 42 days. We discussed the current character of acupuncture treatment on MDD, including the frequency used of acupoints, the property of used acupoints, the acupoint combination, the acupuncture method, and the frequency and duration of treatment. These findings may provide new ideas for the clinical treatment of MDD. However, further clinical/experimental studies are needed to demonstrate the significance of this concept and approach.

The future of acupuncture education: 3D Augmented Reality (AR) acupuncture model for Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture is a therapeutic modality in Traditional Chinese Medicine which aims to improve the flow of Qi (chi) or energy around the body by applying needles to specific points on the skin. Traditional Chinese Medicine teaches that Qi must flow freely through the body’s meridians, or channels, to ensure health and well-being. Traditionally, Chinese Medicine practitioners used a wooden, copper or bronze acupuncture model to show the points where needles should be applied to the skin and the meridians through which Qi flows around the body. However, as traditional models depict acupuncture points which are too rigid for teaching purposes, understanding the descriptions of acupuncture points from textbooks in 2D is also another hurdle for beginners to apply them to the human body in 3D. With modern computing and 3D-printing technologies, this article introduces a realistic human model in the form of a 6-foot copper acupuncture sculpture with over 370 virtual acupuncture points using state-of-the-art Augmented Reality (AR) and metal 3D-printing techniques for enhanced teaching, learning, and demonstration of acupuncture principles. It will be a new training model for Western and Chinese medical practitioners as well as for the public to gain interactive acupuncture experience that is beneficial to their own health.

"Pain-point needling": an interpretation based on the context and therapeutic principles of muscles along the twelve regular meridians

"Pain-point needling", a term of acupuncture medicine from the Chapter Jingjin (Muscles along Meridians) of Lingshu Jing (Miraculous Pivot), is one of the selection principles of acupuncture and moxibustion stimulation spots, and is an integral part of the theory of Jingjin. The statement style of the Jingjin theory in Lingshu imitates that of the twelve regular meridians theory. From the perspective of the evolution process of the meridian theory, it is a continuation of the literature from Jianbo Maishu (Bamboo Slips Book and Silk Book on Meridians) to Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic). In this context, meridian diseases are treated with acupoints, while Jingjin disorders are treated with "pain-point needling" rather than acupoints. The theoretical framework of the two is strictly relative. This phenomenon is due to the strong position of the meridian and acupoint theory at that time, which affects the reasoning habit of acupuncture and moxibustion literature. The correct understanding of "pain-point needling" will also involve the understanding of "Ashi point" and its relationship with the acupoints, so as to help us clarify the concept of the acupoints, and then construct the category of "acupuncture and moxibustion stimulating points", which may solve the problems existing in the current theoretical system of acupuncture and moxibustion.

Acupressure Titik SP6, LI4 dan BL32 Mengurangi Nyeri Persalinan Kala I Systematic Literature Review

Pregnant women in Indonesia on average experience severe labor pain by 85-90%. Pain in the first stage can be influenced by physiological factors (stretching of the cervical muscles, uterine contractions, lowering of the head, and opening of the lower uterine segment) and psychological factors (stress, worry and fear). Acupressure is one way of providing stimulation by pressing certain points with the principles of acupuncture. Acupressure has many benefits such as increasing stamina, improving blood circulation, reducing stress and reducing pain. This study uses the Systematic Literature Review research method to identify and analyze 15 international journals obtained through the Pubmed, Cochrane and Science Direct databases. The results obtained are that acupressure helps mothers relax more in dealing with labor pains in stage 1. Acupressure can stimulate endorphins and increase blood circulation thereby increasing oxygen supply and can activate small nerves to block pain impulses to the brain. Acupressure can reduce pain in the first stage of labor.

In the search of mobile target for acupuncture: why is mast cell?

Both clinical practice and basic research of acupuncture have pointed out that acupuncture treatment has specific tissue and cellular targets. In addition to the known fixed tissue targets such as nerves and blood vessels, the author analyzes the biological characteristics of other skin resident cells in the skin and concludes that cutaneous mast cells are the most suitable candidate for the cellular target of acupuncture. A hypothesis of the bionic acupuncture is proposed to explain the biological principles by which the innate immunity and healing system respond to acupuncture. The distribution of mast cells in the human skin is characterized by "approaching to the terminals and gathering at the orifices", and the cell density is highly correlated with the density of acupoints and the micro-acupuncture systems. These evidences all support that mast cells are the mobile target cells for acupuncture, which can explain some clinical phenomena and principles of acupuncture, and suggest mast cells as one of the tissue markers for acupoints.

Instructive significance of "treatment in accordance with time factor" for the idea of clinical diagnosis and treatment with acupuncture and moxibustion

"Treatment in accordance with time factor" is one of the key principles of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment. In clinical practice of acupuncture and moxibustion, the connotation of "timing/time factor" should be fully understood and the temporal rule on physiology and pathology affected by the changes of four seasons and day and night be grasped. Based on the change law of qi, blood, yin and yang and the rise and fall rules of pathogens and antipathogenic qi, the intervention is exerted timely. The dynamic law of acupoints should be associated with the changes in pathogenesis and illness location, thus, the acupoint selection, needle manipulation and needle withdrawal can be operated precisely. The idea of time factor should be considered in the whole process of clinical diagnosis and treatment with acupuncture and moxibustion so as to provide some guidance for clinical analysis and practice.

Characteristics of Korean SHA-AM acupuncture theory and clinical application

This paper briefly introduces the characteristics of the SAA method and its clinical research. The SHA-AM Acupuncture (SAA) method was developed by Sheyan Daoren, who published a book titled by Tips of acupuncture by Sheyan Daoren. Based on the traditional theory of yin and yang, five elements, visceral, qi and blood, and meridians, the SAA method further developed the principles of acupuncture reinforcing and reducing methods from Huang Di Nei Jing and Nan Jing. And it has further developed it's own unique theoretical system, which has been widely applied in Korea. Key words: Medicine, Korean traditional; SHA-AM acupuncture theory; Korea; Clinical research; History of medical exchange between China and foreign countries

The Significance of Physiological Spaces in the Body and Its Medical Implications.

The human body is made up of physical structures and spaces. These physiological spaces play an integral role in metabolic processes. In previous scientific research, these spaces were often neglected. The study of the importance of their existence in the body can help scientifically understand some of the thorniest medical problems that we currently face. It may also help in the diagnosis and prevention of disease, especially of drug-induced origins. The proper reading of the essence of meridians through the perspective of these spaces can help to improve scientific understanding of the principles of acupuncture and moxibustion and the treatment principles of Chinese and Western medicine and ultimately promote the communication and integration of Chinese and Western medicine.

Acupuncture in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Importance Acupuncture is a key component of therapy in traditional Chinese medicine. Only in the last few decades has acupuncture become popular in the United States. The mechanism behind acupuncture's effects on the body and brain has not been completely elucidated, but there is evidence that acupuncture has effects on the endocrine, immune, and sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. It may also act through electrical and mechanical signaling through the connective tissue and fascia. Despite this uncertainty, the positive effects of acupuncture have been well established. Objective In this review, we discuss the basic concepts of traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture and examine the evidence regarding the use of acupuncture in obstetrics and gynecology. Evidence Acquisition We conducted a literature review of acupuncture in obstetrics and gynecology using PubMed. Results The available data demonstrate that acupuncture is beneficial in the treatment of labor pain, back pain in pregnancy, and dysmenorrhea. It is unclear if acupuncture is effective for hyperemesis, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and menopausal hot flushes, or if moxibustion is effective in correcting breech presentation. There are limited but positive data regarding menopause-related sleep disturbances, depression in pregnancy, and overactive bladder. Acupuncture is not beneficial for improving outcomes in in vitro fertilization. Conclusions and Relevance Acupuncture is an increasingly popular therapy with many potential applications in obstetrics and gynecology. A general understanding of the basic principles of acupuncture and the safety and efficacy of its practice is necessary for the general obstetrician and gynecologist to make informed recommendations to patients. Target Audience Obstetricians and gynecologists, family physicians. Learning Objectives After completing this activity, the learner should be better able to identify the basic concepts of traditional Chinese medicine and how it differs from Western medicine; describe common obstetrical and gynecologic issues that can be successfully treated with acupuncture; and distinguish the main issues in designing acupuncture studies regarding blinding, choosing a control group, and identifying areas of potential bias.

Professor ZHANG Qing-ping's experience in the treatment of vascular dementia with acupuncture and moxibustion

In the aspects of the acupoint prescription, acupuncture techniques and typical cases, the characteristics and experience of professor ZHANG Qing-ping in the clinical treatment of vascular dementia with acupuncture and moxibustion were introduced. Vascular dementia is treated on the base of etiology, focusing on the brain as the root cause, with the reinforcing and the promoting as the dominant principle of acupuncture. The treatment is emphasized on tonifying the kidney to fill up marrow, strengthening the spleen to nourish the brain and promoting the collateral circulation to improve the intelligence. Concerning to the general situation of the disease, regulating mind stressed in treatment. In clinical practice, Baihui (GV 20) is the chief acupoint to benefit the brain. Yuan-source points and the eight influential points are predominated to tonify the functions of zangfu organs and fill up vessels. Moxibustion is adopted to resolve the stagnation and promote circulation in meridian as well as regulate qi and blood circulation. Specially, the moxibustion technique for resolving the stagnation and promoting circulation in meridian achieves the satisfactory therapeutic effects in clinical treatment.

"Pregnancy Brain": A Review of Cognitive Changes in Pregnancy and Postpartum.

The idea that pregnant women suffer from deficits in memory is widespread but poorly documented in obstetrical literature. To review available psychology literature on the subject of cognitive changes in pregnancy in order to guide the prenatal care provider on how to counsel pregnant women. An extensive review of PubMed and PsycINFO databases was conducted to gather and analyze relevant studies on cognitive changes in pregnancy. A large body of literature examining basic science and animal studies support the effects of pregnancy hormones in remodeling brain architecture and neural function. However, studies in humans are hampered by small sizes, heterogeneous methodology, and varying definitions of memory. Nevertheless, the consensus among researchers is that pregnancy does confer deficits in working memory relative to nonpregnant controls. Cognitive effects of pregnancy are likely small, and the impact on daily life is debatable. Further research is needed to determine whether these effects may confer an advantage to parous women comparable to that seen in lower mammals.

Modern quantum theories and experimental achievements motivate new exploration of acupuncture in traditional Chinese medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a theoretical medical system founded about three thousand years ago, originated from the richness of Chinese culture with the support and development of ancient astronomy and philosophy. It has illuminated many mysteries of nature and the human body. This has not always been easy for the layperson to understand. In modern times, some of these processes have been gradually discovered or confirmed by frontier science. The experiments of quantum physics have shaken the fundamental concepts of conventional science, refuting criticism of Chinese culture and TCM theories. The new discoveries have triggered a new understanding of TCM theories. For example, the theory of quantum mechanics interfering with certain human functions helps explain a series of phenomena that were previously difficult to understand. The veil of many wonderful phenomena of Chinese culture and TCM acupuncture has not yet been fully pierced. For example, the body's energy system, the invisible qi, and the phenomenon of consciousness and subconscious function remain mysterious. However, quantum theory and numerous scientific experiments can lead to the explanations of difficult problems which were not understood in the past. For example, the nature of the changes in yin and yang, and associated principles; the five-element principles; consciousness and sub-consciousness which might affect scientific experiments and treatment outcomes; the objective existence of qi and qi field; and the essence of the meridian system in the human body and the principles of acupuncture. This article explores the scientific principles of TCM and acupuncture. The unique characteristics of TCM and acupuncture position themselves as Eastern cultural treasures. The authors endeavor to strengthen readers’ confidence in theoretical TCM and believe that it is a major step in integrating TCM acupuncture into modern science and medicine.

Learning the new by restudying the old: discussion on "consolidating tendons when tendons involved in disorders"

In order to better understand and implement the treating principle of acupuncture as "consolidating tendons when tendons involved in disorders", the author explored the necessity of this principle in view of "the depth of disorder and depth of needle insertion" through explaining the meanings of it in the classic literature. In combination with the clinical experience, three recognitions were proposed. When treating tendon disorder, the correct recognition of disease is very important. The coordination of ashi points and the distal points enhances the therapeutic effects. Besides, the modern anatomic knowledge is assisted to the selection of acupoints. The study results enrich the connotation of this treating principle, explore the approach to the clinical treatment of the disorders of bones, joints and soft tissues and improve the therapeutic effects.

Introducing a Standardized Acupuncture Protocol for Peripheral Neuropathy: A Case Series.

Background: Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is defined as damage to the peripheral nervous system caused by a primary lesion or dysfunction. Multiple recent trials have suggested that acupuncture is beneficial for treating neuropathic pain. One challenge in acupuncture research is the lack of standardization of point selection, number of needles used, needle-retention time, needling depth, amount of needle manipulation, and use of moxibustion and electroacupuncture (EA). Objectives: This article presents a standardized acupuncture protocol for the treatment of PN that incorporates structural acupuncture principles based on proximity to peripheral nerves and on traditional approaches to the treatment of neuropathic pain. Materials and Methods: Ten consecutive patients diagnosed with large- or small-fiber neuropathy of various etiologies were treated with a standardized protocol, based on anatomical correlations of peripheral nerves and acupuncture points. Manual acupuncture was applied to left LR 4, LU 5; bilateral LI 11, KI 27, ST 36, GB 34, SP 6, SP 9, LI 4, TE 5, and BaFeng (except for the space between the first and second digits of the toes; LR 3 was used for that space). EA was applied to bilateral KI 3-1 and bilateral ST 41-LR 3. Patients underwent at least six acupuncture sessions, although the total number of sessions varied. Outcomes were measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and clinical signs and symptoms. Results: All 10 patients indicated improvement on the VAS and in clinical presentation. Conclusions: This standardized protocol appears to be effective for the treatment of neuropathy of various causes, including large- and small-fiber involvement. Further studies with larger sample sizes and randomized comparisons against sham acupuncture and other acupuncture regimens will be helpful to determine if this protocol could be established as a guideline for approaching peripheral neuropathy.

Explanation on Evidence-based Guidelines of Clinical Practice with Acupuncture and Moxibustion: Periarthritis of Shoulder

The Evidence-based Guidelines of Clinical Practice with Acupuncture and Moxibustion: Periarthritis of Shoulder (Guidelines for short) was officially published as a standard of China Association of Acupuncture and Moxibustion in 2015. From the purpose, methodology, scope, indication, recommended protocol, etc., this was explained to provide convenience for clinical use of acupuncturists. This Guidelines was developed based on Guidelines comprehensive search of literature regarding acupuncture for periarthritis of shoulder, the adoption of best evidence, expert experience, patient value across the world, methods of evidence quality and GRADE, references of clinical experience of famous acupuncturists in the ancient and modern time and expert consensus in the national level, which was hoped to provide solid evidence of acupuncture clinical treatment for periarthritis of shoulder to ensure the safety and effectiveness. In this Guidelines, the stage-by-stage treatment principle of acupuncture for periarthritis of shoulder was recommended. In the acute stage, the treatment aim was to relieve the pain, and distal acupoints along the meridians were selected with strong stimulation; the local acupoints were combined. In the chronic stage and rehabilitation stage, the treatment aim was to improve the dysfunction of shoulder joint, and acupuncture treatment was based on syndrome differentiation of etiology and meridian; the local acupoints were mainly selected, combined with acupoints based on etiology and acupoints along meridians.

Clinical practice guidelines of using acupuncture for low back pain

Based on extensive accumulated evidence and using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system, we have developed clinical practice guidelines for the use of acupuncture to treat low back pain (LBP). In the guidelines, we considered the objective and scope of this guide, the diagnostic criteria and syndrome differentiation standards of traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine for LBP, the treatment principles of acupuncture, intervention opportunities for acupuncture, and recommendations for use of different acupuncture therapies for acute/subacute and chronic LBP.

Characteristics and reasons of the great importance to the techniques in the teaching materials of acupuncture and moxibustion in the Republic of China

There are the obvious differences in the framework and structure between the teaching materials of acupuncture and moxibustion in the Republic of China and the traditional works, in which, the importance to the techniques is very clear. ①Attaching the great importance to the manipulation elements of acupuncture-moxibustion techniques:explaining clearly the preparation and the storage of the device of acupuncture and moxibustion, as well as the manipulation procedures and methods. ②Attaching the great importance to the localization of acupoint and decreasing the consideration to the theory of meridians and collaterals. ③Connecting the principles of acupuncture and moxibustion with the operation procedures and emphasizing the scientific evidences. The changes mentioned above originate from the following profound social and historical factors. ①Influences from the western culture and advanced science and technology, in which, pursuit of scientific and practical value is the mainstream in the time of Republic of China. ②Attaching the great importance to the specific characteristics of acupuncture and moxibustion and the training to the technical personnel, by which, the medical scholars of acupuncture and moxibustion in the Republic of China could enable the science of acupuncture and moxibustion to be survived and then developed in adverse situation. ③The scientific elaboration of the principle of acupuncture and moxibustion is a kind of academic adjustment on the influence of western learning.